February 17 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:37–40

Devotional

Where has the seed of God’s Word fallen in your life? If you easily conclude that the seed has fallen on good ground in your life, be careful. False faith will quickly make such a statement and give you false security.

God’s people will easily complain that the seed of God’s Word has fallen by the wayside or on stony ground in their lives. They accuse themselves that they are often as hard as a rock. They see so many thorns in their lives, that they are afraid that these thorns will stifle the growth of God’s Word. They are aware that, if left to themselves, they can only work against the seed of regeneration. They are a hindrance to their own salvation. Yet on the other hand they cannot and may not deny that they love God’s Word. God’s Word does not let go of them. That is the evidence that the seed has not fallen on the wayside. In addition, they see something of the depths of their own corruption. They grieve because of this. That shows that the seed has not fallen upon stony ground.

All is well if they have God. They consider a crumb of heavenly bread to be worth far more than all the delights of this earthly life. They would rather be with God under a cross than without God in prosperity. That shows that the seed has not fallen among the thorns.

You may not recognize fruit in your life. “Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty,— 79— and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?” (Matt. 25:37-39). God’s people are often not aware of the fruit they bring forth. They do not keep an account of what they do as good works. But true faith is active through love and those who live in and through the love of God will bring forth fruit. That is because their focus in life is upon God.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.